Thermometer and thermostatically operable electric signaling device



Dec. 14, 1948. E. F. lwANsKl 2,456,062

THERMOMETER AND THERMOSTATICALLY OPERABLE ELECTRIC SIGNALING DEVICEFiled Oct. 8, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VEN TOR.

Dec. 14, 1948. E. F. lwANsKl 2,456,052

,THERMOMETER AND THERMOSTATICALLY OPERABLE ELECTRIC SIGNALING DEVICEFiled Oct. 8, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR.

Patented Dec. 14, 1948 THERMOMETER AND THERMOSTATICALLY OPERABLEELECTRIC SIGNALING DEVICE Emu F. Iwmski, chicago, nl. y ApplicationOctober 8, 1945, Serial No. 620,906

The present invention relates to thermostatic thermometers and has forits principal object the provision of electric signalling devices,thermostatically operable, for indicating that certain predeterminedmaximum temparture, either high or low, has been reached. Suchthermometers may iind their application in the orchards for warning anorchardist that a certain critical, low temperature has been reached, sothat the orchardist may lay a smudge to protect his fruit from frost.The same may also be used in connection with incubators, re alarms,etc., or for giving notice for correcting temperature in hospital orschoolrooms.

A still further object oi' the present invention is the provision, in avthermometer of the type above indicated, of adjustable markers forindicating therein a chosen, critical degree of temperature, either highor low, with signalling device operable instantaneously when thattemperature has actually been reached. l,

Obviously, the temperature indicator, in its ascent or descent towardssaid adjustable markers, may stop short thereof without actuating thesignalling device; or in fact, having stopped short thereof, it mayreverse its course due to the change in the temperature. For the purposeo1' keeping l 3 Claims. (Cl. 177-311) 2 between, with a diagrammaticshowing of an electric circuit connecting said hands and said indicator,for operating a signal when the electric circuit is completed when saidindicator comes in contact with one or the other of said hands;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view on line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view o'n line 3-3 of Fig. 1,illustrating the thermostatic device for actuating the temperatureindicator. with pivot posts for hands, and terminals for electriccircuit wires;

Fig. 4 is a face elevational view of a thermometer of a modiiiedconstruction and operation, adapted to indicate certain maximumtemperature, either high or low, reached, but short of the degree atwhich the signal was set to operate, also diagrammatically illustratingan electric circuit to operate a signal when certain marked degree oftemperature has been reached;

Fig. 5 isa similar view, with the electric circuit omitted illustratinga mode of operation of records it may be advisable 4to know to whatmaximum, high or low, the temperature indicator has reached before itreversed its course, and without having actuated the signalling device.Therefore, another object oi the present invention is the provision of avisual indicating means for showing the degree of temperature to whichthe temperature indicator has reached immediately prior to the reversalof its course and -without reaching the temperature degree for which thesignalling device was set to operate by being actuated by thetemperature indicator.

With the above general objects in view and others that will appear asthe invention is better understood, the same consists in the novelconstruction,rcombination and arrangement of parts hereinafter morefully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and pointedout in the appended claims.

In the drawings forming a. part of this application and in which likedesignating characters refer to corresponding parts throughout theseveral views;

Fig. 1 is a face elevational view of a thermometer in accordance withthe present invention, with a pair of hands, one for setting at lowpoint, and the other at high point on 'the thermometer scale. withtemperature indicator therethe thermometer; and

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view on line 6-6 of Fig. 4.

Referring to the present drawings in detail there is shown an annularwall I II, provided at its lower end with horizontal, inwardly extendingflange II. The latter supports bottom I2. Face I3, disposed within saidannular wall I0, is maintained in a spaced, rigid relation with bottomI2, by

means of a plurality of cylindrical spacers Il, which are engaged byscrews I5 passing through said bottom I2 and face I2.

Spaced from said face I2, by annular band I8, is glass plate I1, saidband I 6 snugly overlying the inner periphery of said annular wall I0.Flanged hoop It, irictionally engaging the outer periphery of saidannular wall I n, adjacent its upper end, and bearing against theperipheral margin of said glass plate I1, maintains the latter, face I3and bottom I2 in a rigid relative position withsaid annular wall i 0. l

Bottom I2 has a plurality of lugs I9, for supporting the ydevicehorizontally upon any base 20. Said bottom I2 also carries eye 2|,extending beyond the perimeter of wall I0, for supporting the devicevertically.

Face I3, adjacent a portion of its periphery, has printed, engraved orotherwise indicated, thermometric scale 22, arranged in an arc. In thedrawings the range in the thermometric sca-le 22 is from l0-degreesbelow zero to 120 degrees above zeno. The range of course may be varied,

depending upon the particular purpose for which the -thermometer may beused.

Cooperating with face I3 and extending therethrough is a pair of posts23, each provided with an annular flange 24 intermediately its ends.

Integrally formed with each post 23, substantially centrally thereof,and in a spaced relation with said flange 24 is collar 25. The outer endof each post 23 is threaded as at 26. Post 23 which is in nearestproximity to the low end in the range of thermometric scale 22 carrieshand 21 which is set by one of its ends over the threaded end of saidpost 23 and rests upon said collar 25. The other post 23, disposednearest to the high end of the range of thermometric scale 22, carriesin a like manner hand 28. Placed over the same.

each hand 21 and 28 is washer 23. Threadedly engaging the outer end ofeach post 23 is knob which clamps hands 21 and 28 between theirrespective collars 25 and washers 23, for maintaining said hands 21 and23 in'a rigid engagement with their cooperating posts 23. Glass plate I1is provided with two apertures 3l' permitting the outer ends of posts 23and knobs 3U to extend thereabove for manually grasping said knobs 33and turning posts -23 for angularly shifting hands .21 and 23 for thepurpose which will be later apparent. Said hands `21 and 28 remainhowever below said glass plate I'I.

Said hands 21 and 28, on their edges which are farthest removed fromeach other, are each provided with an integrally formed and downwardlydepending tongue3l for the purpose hereinafter described.

Placed over the lower end of each post 23 is bushing 32 ofnon-conducting material, which by its upper end extends into theaperture in face I3 through which post 23 passes. Integrally formed withsaid bushing 32 and laterally projecting therefrom is an insulatingplate 33. Metallic plate 34, in contact with insulating plate 33, clampsthe latter to face I3. Flanges 35, integrally formed with U-shaped plate35, are in contact with said metallic plate 34. Both said plate 34 andsaid anges 35 are provided with suitable alined openings through whichsaid bushings 32 extend.

The upper ends of bushings 32 may extend above the upper face of faceplate I`3 so that flanges 24 may directly rest thereon and thereby posts23 may be insulated from face I3. If however face I3 is made ofnon-conducting material such as stiff cardboard or plastic, said anges24 may directly contact with said face I3 as shown in Fig. 3.

Placed over the lower end of each of said posts 23 is terminal plate 31,between each of which and each flange 35 insulating washer 33 isinterposed. Screw heads 39, engaging the lowerends of posts 23 maintainsaid terminal plates 31 in` position, said terminal plates 31 beingprovided with apertures through which the lower ends of posts 23 areadapted to pass.

Suitable independent means may be provided for binding plates 33 and 34,flanges 35, terminal" plates 31 and washers 38 to face I3, althoughscrew heads 39 alone are sufilcient to accomplish that purpose.

Rigidly set within plate 36 is post 43 binding the outer end of coilspring 4I made of a thermostatic material. The inner end of said coilspring 4I made is afilxed to collar 42, thelatter frictionally set uponrocker shaft 43. Saidrocker shaft 43 is fulcrumed by its lower end upon.

the horizontal portion of said U-Shaped plate' 35,

The upper end of said rocker shaft 43 extends through said plate 34which laterally supports The upper end of said rocker shaft 43 furtherextends through alined openings 44 made in face I3 and insulating plate33, and receives in a -i'rietional engagement cap 45, the latter beingrigidly ailxed to ltemperature indicator 46. Bushing 41 in frictionalengagement with cap 45 provides an additional seat for temperatureindicator 43.

Temperature indicator 43 is below the plane of hands 21 and 28, but inthe path of tongues 3l. From the hereinabove description it will beapparent that 'hands 21 and 28, their respective posts 23 and terminalplates 31 are insulated from each other, aswell as from temperatureindicator 43 and its appurtenances, including plate 34, flanges 35,U-shaped plate 33, thermostatic coil 4I, shaft 43 and cap 45.

All the parts hereinabove described are commonto all forms' oilinvention -illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, both-inclusive.

Referring 'nowm'ore pa-rticularlyto the form of invention illustrated inFigs. 1, 2 and 3, wire 48 connects with eachterminal plate 31.. Throughposts 23 said wires 43 aref-in an indirect contact with the respectivehands 21 and 23, as diagram. matically indicated in Fig'. 1. u Bytheiropposite ends said wires .4 8 connect with' main wire 43, the latterleading to switch 50. Wire 5I' leads from said switch 53 to` signal 52,which may be either audible or visual or bot-h.

Connecting with U-shaped plate 33 is wirev53 leading to battery 54. Ineffect wire 53, through U-shaped plate 33, rockershaft 43 and cap 45.connects with temperatureindicator4 43.

Wire 55, connecting battery 54 and signal 52, completes the-partsnecessary for the electric circuit illustrated in Fig.- 1.

As to the operation-of the form of invention shown in Figs 1, 2 and 3,if we assume that switch is closed,"asnormally it should be, and if forexample we assume further that 13 degrees above zero is the criticaltemperature, at the time of which lwhen reached it is desired to sound asignal, hand 21 is angularlyfshifted by turning A:nob 30 in order tobring said hand to point to 13 .legrees above Zemin the thermometricscale 22, which is the position of hand 21- shown in Fig. 1. Iftemperature of degrees-above zero is actually reached, temperatureindicator 43 actuated by thermostatic coil 4I :will be shifted tocoincide with-the set positionfof hand'2'1.. When the positionsA of hand21 'andtemprature indicator 43 become coincidental, that is when the twocome into 'a vertical'alinement temperature indicator 43 will come incontact 'with tongue 3| .carried by said hand 21 and thereby theelectric circuit will be completedto energize signal.: 52 as is obvious.

It is "observed that'whe switch 5t)A remains closed and when temperatureindicator 43 cornes in contactv with eithe'rpf thetwo tongues 3|, onhands 21`or 23, thel electric circuit in either event .will becompletedthrou'gh'one `or the, other of the two ,wiresful toenergizesignal 52 and set the same in operation. .I

There is another`.mode of operation of the invention illustrated inFigs.. l, 2 and 3. For

`example, in the evening of a certain day the temperature is 40 degrees.above`.zero, the position ottemperature indicatdr 4 6, as. shown in Fig.l, but it isexpe'cted that 'during thenight to follow the tex'nperaturelwill .drop, .a x1d. it. is. desirable to ascertain what was 'the minimumtemperature reached during that night without actually constantlywatching the thermometer. For that given example, switch 86 is firstdisconnected. because in the given example the requirement did not califor sounding of signal 82. Then hand 21 is manually shifted towardtemperature indicator 48, until they coincide, that is, when both pointto 40 degrees above zero on thermometric scale 22. In that positiontongue 3| of hand 21 will contact with temperature indicator 48. Supposethe following morning it was found that the position of hand 21 and oftemperature indicator 48 is identical with that shown in Fig. 1. Theonly conclusion to be reached, particularly from the ultimate foundposition of hand 21, is that temperature indicator 48, during thepreceding night, by the force of its thermostatic coil 4I, when undercontraction due to decreasing tem' perature, shifted with it hand 21 topoint at 13 above zero, thereby indicating that that was the minimumtemperature reached during the preceding night. From the found positionof temperature indicator 46, pointing to 40 degrees above zero, in thegiven example, as shown in Fig. 1, it is concluded that having shiftedhand 21 to the point of minimum temperature reached during the precedingnight, it has since returned to indicate the actual temperature at themoment of reading.

It is noted that in the first example thev function of tongue 3l was toclose the electric circuit through hand 21 andtemperature indicator 48,whereas in the second example the function of tongue 3l was purelymechanical, namely it acted as means for shifting hand 21 when underactuation of temperature indicator 46.

To give a further, third, example of the operation of the thermometer,let us suppose that at a given moment temperature indicator 46 points to40 degrees as in Fig. 1, but from that point it is uncertain as towhether temperature will rise or descend, and it is desirable toascertain what was either the maximum or minimum temperature reachedwithin any succeeding period of time. To condition the device, in theexample given, both hands 21 and 28 are manually shifted towardstemperature indicator 46 and as near to it as said hands will go.Suppose at the time of reading hand 21 was found to be at its originalposition, substantially at 40 degrees above zero, indicating thattemperature indicator 48 did not go below 40 degrees above zero, buthand 28 was found at v88 degrees above zero, position of said hand shownin Fig. 1. That position of hand 28 would indicate that temperatureindicator 48 carried it there, thereby indicating that at some ,par-

tlcular moment prior to the final reading that was the maximumtemperature reached.

From the three given examples it will be apparent that the invention issusceptible of wide latitude of use. Where signal is employed inconnection with the thermometer, the same may be used for orchards,incubators and such other uses where immediate action is required when apredetermined set temperature is reached by the thermometer, asindicated by` the ilrst example aforesaid.

Where the thermometer is employed without the signal, the same may beused by the weather bureaus for recording periodic maximum or minimumtemperature changes. Another suggested use is in connection withindustrial processes, for recording temperature changes, and wherein noimmediate action is called for when a certain y temperature, either highor low, has been reached.

There is no provision in the form of the invenoperate.

vgive an example, suppose the critical degree for which the signal isset to operate is 10 degrees above zero, and suppose temperatureindicator 46, while shifting in the direction of the lower end of thethermometric scale 22, has not reached 10 degrees above zero, but stopsshort thereof, for instance at 28 degrees above zero, and from thatlatter point reverses its shifting course into the opposite direction,that is, towards the higher end of the thermometric scale 22 withoutever reaching 10 degrees above zero. Oftentimes it might be desirable toknow just what was the highest or lowest point reached in thetemperature in its ascent or descent (in the example given 28 degreesabove zero) towards the point on the thermometric scale at which thesignal was set to operate (10 degrees above zero in the example given).The form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 1 is incapable of solvingthe problem posed by the last given example. Hence the modificationillustrated in Figs. 4, 5 and 6.

Referring now to Figs. 4, 5 and 6 it is noted that temperature indicator46 is not in the electric circuit. Therefore Wire 53 of Figs. 1 and 3 iseliminated from Figs, 4, 5 and 6. Furthermore, face I3 is provided witharcuate slot 56, made along andcoextensively with thermometric scale 22.

Opposite thermometric scale 22, annular wall I0 is provLded withlongitudinal recess 51 through which a pair of handles 58 enters thecasing defined by said annular wall I0. One of said handles 58cooperates with the low end of thermometric scale 22, while the otherthereof with the high end of scale 22. Each of said handles 58 projectsoutwardly of said annular wall I0 for manual operation. Each of saidhandles 68 has a vertically and upwardly disposed extension 59, whichpreferably may be disengageably connected with handle 58. The inner endof each handle 88 is provided with flange 68, and said extension 59 isprovided with a similar flange 6I. Said extension 59 enters said slot 58and projects above face I3, the free upper end of said extension 59being disposed above the horizontal plane in vwhich said hands 21 and 28shift, so that each of said extensions 59 is in the path of movement ofsaid hands 21 and 28, as seen in Fig. 6. 'I'he two flanges 68 and 6|frictionally engage face I3 at its marginal portions adjacent slot 56,but permit shifting of extensions 59 along the path of slot 56 whenhandles 58 are manually actuated.

Handles 58 are suitably insulated from annular wall I8. Said handles 58and extensions 69 are also insulated from face I3, unless the latter isof a non-conducting material.

ananas electric circuit will be completed to energize signal 66,assuming of course that both switches 61 and 66 are closed. Likewise, ifhand 28 is in contact with extension 59 at the higher end of scale 22,the electric circuit will also be completed to energize signal 66, whensaid switches 61 and 69 remain closed.

As to the operation of the form of invention illustrated in Figs, 4, 5and 6, and further elucidating on the fourth example aforesaid, if priorto conditioning the thermometer to give signal when temperature reaches10 degrees above zero, it is found that temperature indicator 46 restsat 70 degrees above zero as shown in Fig. 4, the following procedure isresorted to: rst, extension 59 at the lower end of scale 22 is shiftedto rest at 10 degrees above zero, position shown in Figs. 4 and 5, andsecond, hand 21 is shifted toward temperature indicator 46, that is tothe point of 70 degrees above zero, so as to bring tongue 3| in hand 21in contact therewith. lf from that point the temperature drops,temperature indicator 46 will shift in the direction of the lower end ofscale 22, carrying with it hand 21 due to engagement of the latter withthe former by virtue of the connection therewith through tongue 3i. Ifthe temperature reaches 10 degrees above zero, temperature indicator 46will shift to the point of 10 degrees above zero, shifting with it hand21 and as soon as at that point the latter comes in contact with theadjacent extension 59 previously set at that point, position shown bydotted lines in Fig. 5, the electric circuit aforesaid wil1 be completedbecause the gap therein between wire 48 at hand 21 and wire 62 will havebeen bridged by hand 21 and extension 59, always assuming that switches61 and 6 9 remain closed. The closing of the electric circuitimmediately hereinabove described wili energize signal 66 setting in inoperation.

But let us assume that temperature has not reached 10 degrees above zeroto operate signal 66, but has reached the maximum low of only 26 degreesabove zero. In that case, at the particular reading it will be foundthat hand 21 rests at the point of 26 degrees above zeroposition oi'hand 21 indicated by full lines in Fig. 5, with temperature indicator 46either at the same point or removed toward the higher end ofV scale 22,depending on what was the particular degree of temperature at the timeof reading. Thus, in the last assumed case, the observer would beappraised that in the interval between setting the thermometer andreading in the maximum low temperature reach was`26 degrees above zero,and which was not suilicient to set signal 66 in operation, which wasset to operate at l degrees above zero. The observer may use the factthus acquired either for prognostication, statistics or merely record.

Situations may occur where both extensions 59 at both ends of scale 22may be simultaneously set to condition signal 66 to operate whenevercertain low or certain high temperature is reached.

If the thermometer of the form shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6 is used inconnection with an orchard, signal 66 and switch 61 would preferablyremain within an orchardists abode, with the thermometer itself andauxiliary switch 69 in the orchard. The object of said auxiliary switchis for the purpose of testing the electric circuit during the repairs oradjustments of the thermometer without resorting to switch 61 which maybe at a considerable distance from the thermometer itself. It istherefore contemplated to have said auxiliary switch in the nearproximity of the thermometer.

It is further noted the frictiorial contact between posts 23 andbushings 32, or between terminal plates 31 and screw heads 39', need notbe so strong as to be incapable to be overcome by either manual shiftingof hands 21 and 28 or when actuated by temperature indicator 46. Sinceknobs 30 are in a very tight engagement with the threaded ends 26 andwashers 29, their engagement therewith will not be aiected by the manualshifting of hands 21 and 28 through said knobs 30.

No serious disarrangement of parts supported by screw heads 39 need befeared when posts 2l are turned, since at no time need they make acomplete revolution.

It is understood that the thermometer herein disclosed may have amultitude of other uses than those herein mentioned. Also the particularpractical adaptations of the invention cited, or functions or functionalsituations mentioned were merely a few examples thereof for betterunderstanding of the construction and operation of the invention.

While there is described herein preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, it is nevertheless to be understood that minor changes may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as claimed.

What I claim as new is:

1. A thermostatically operable thermometer comprising a dial having athermometric scale depicted thereon and a temperature indicator disposedabove said dial, said dial being provided with a slot coextensive withsaid thermometric scale, a marker shiftable within said slot forselectively marking temperature degrees upon said thermometric scale, ahand in pivotal engagement with said dial and movable over saidthermometric scale, said hand being positioned intermediate saidtemperature indicator and said marker, an electric signal, a serieselectric circuit including said signal, said marker and said hand,whereby temperature changes moving said temperature indicator towardsaid hand will engage said hand and shift said hand therewith towardssaid marker, said hand upon contacting said marker -completing saidelectric circuit to energize said signal and to set the same inoperation, said temperature indicator being movable away from said handwithout deenergizing said signal.

2. A thermostatically operable thermometer comprising a dial having athermometric scale depicted thereon and a temperature indicator disposedabove said dial, said dial being provided with a slot coextensive withsaid thermometric scale, a plurality of markers shiitable within saidslot for selectively marking temperature degrees upon said thermometricscale, a plurality of hands pivotally mounted on said dial, at least oneof said hands being positioned intermediate said temperature indicatorand at least one of said markers, said hands being movable over saidthermometric scale, an electric signal, a series electric circuitincluding said signal, said marker and said hand, whereby temperaturechanges moving said temperature indicator toward at least one of saidhands will engage said one hand and shift said one hand therewithtowards at least one of said markers, said one. hand upon contactingsaid marker completing said electric circuit to energize said signal andto set the same in operation, said temperature indicator being movableaway from said one hand without deenergizing said signal.

3. A thermostatically operable thermometer comprising a dial having athermometric scale depicted thereon and a temperature'indicator disposedabove said dial, said dial being provided with a slot coextensive withsaid thermometric scale. a pair of markers shiitable within said A slotfor selectively marking temperature degrees 10 ment therewith will,shift said hand toward its adjacent marker, said hand upon contactingsaid marker completing said electric circuit to energize said signal andto set the same in operation, said temperature indicator being movableaway from said hand without deenergizing said signal.

EMIL F. IWANSKI.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 347,571 Clarke Aug. 17, 18861,136,407 Carrigan Apr. 20, 1915 1,824,933 Scholty Sept. 29, 19312,110,391 Davis Mar. 8, 1938 2,230,678

Bruce Feb. 4, 1941

